On March 20 Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus attended a joint EU Foreign Affairs Council in Defence Ministers’ session which agreed on the target 1 million pieces of ammunition of different calibers to be provided to Ukraine within the period of one year. EUR 2 billion will be reimbursed by the European Peace Facility (EPF) in order to compensate to member states for the ammunition given from their stocks.
“The breaking point of war is now. Ukraine needs us to give her steadfast military support. Ammunition will be of utmost importance in the coming months. One million artillery rounds delivery is the target within a year. We have to communicate to the defence industry clearly – not only our commitment to spend more but also concrete needs and plans,” spoke Vice Minister Ž. Tomkus.
The meeting addressed the Russian aggression in Ukraine and further EU assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Lithuanian representatives underscored the need to continue the support and step up the ammunition aid. It was stressed that the EU had to live up to its commitments to Ukraine’s security and to build on them.
Vice Minister also invited efforts to rally more public support for proper defense spending. “Our societies have to realize that if we want a Europe at peace, we must have more defence investment. Of Ukraine and our own alike. There simply is no other way.” Another point of discussion at the meeting was the implementation on the EU Strategic Compass one year in since its approval. Progress made was acknowledged as well as further objectives in working towards the set goals of EU defence initiatives’ development, strengthening of the EU and member states ‘ resilience against external threats and elaboration of relations with partners.
